Chief of the Turkish General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug Friday severely criticized reports over an alleged anti-government plot document as part of "a campaign to besmirch" the armed forces.

"We believe that this piece of paper has been forged by certain circles to wear out and besmirch the Turkish Armed Forces," Basbugtold a press meeting.

"Take your hands off the armed forces and stop defining your political position over the armed forces. Stop carrying out an asymmetrical psychological campaign against the armed forces over the news media," said Basbug.

Turkish newspaper Taraf two weeks ago printed a document allegedly drafted by a military colonel at the General Staff Headquarters in Turkish capital of Ankara, outlining what is publicly known as "an action plan" to smear the government.

Basbug said civilian authorities should find out who was behind the plot document, adding that the armed forces would not allow any of its personnel who would violate "democracy and the rule of law" to remain within the ranks.

Source: Xinhua